This journalist has been imprisoned for 16 years. Help free him.

Secrets and lies: Take action on torture in Uzbekistan

Dear Tracy, "He doesn't talk at all about [the torture]... He says it was so difficult to endure that the only thing he asked of God was to let him die." - Nina Lonskaya, wife of imprisoned journalist Muhammad Bekzhanov Muhammad Bekzhanov is one of the world's longest-imprisoned journalists. Sixteen years ago, Muhammad was editor-in-chief for the newspaper representing the political party Erk — a banned opposition party in Uzbekistan. Following a series of bomb explosions in Uzbekistan, which the Erk party was accused of conspiring on, Muhammad was forcibly taken into custody. Take action to help Muhammad. Tell authorities in Uzbekistan to free him and put an end to torture. While in pre-trial detention, Muhammad says that he and five others were beaten with rubber truncheons and plastic bottles filled with water, suffocated and given electric shocks. After being subjected to this torture, Muhammad says he was forced to confess to fabricated charges. No effective investigation into any of these allegations of torture has ever been conducted, and Muhammad remains imprisoned. Repeated calls for a fair retrial in his case have been ignored for more than 15 years. You can help. Join us in calling for Muhammad's immediate release. Uzbekistan remains one of the most repressive and authoritarian states in the world. Just two weeks ago, I testified before the U.S. Congress on Uzbekistan, seeking to inform U.S. leaders about the state of Uzbekistan and urging them to act against torture. With your support, we can call on authorities in Uzbekistan to change their course and enforce an end to torture. Stand with us in demanding that all countries of the world #StopTorture now. In solidarity, T. Kumar International Advocacy Director Amnesty International USA